Course Summary

Although not all aneurysms pose a problem, they can lead to other serious health concerns, such as the development of blood clots, pain, and aneurysm rupture. Progression of an aneurysm increases with a person’s age and other risk factors contributing to aneurysm growth and the potential of life-threatening rupture. Ruptured aneurysm requires immediate medical and/or surgical treatment to prevent death. It is imperative that health professionals are trained to be able to recognize those individuals with high risk factors and to provide adequate screening to rule out or to offer surveillance of aneurysms. Quick interventions are needed by skilled clinicians to effectively diagnose aneurysms, especially to identify aneurysm growth and dissection in an emergency setting to reduce mortality.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• I.       Introduction
• II.      The Aorta and Blood Circulation
• III.      Aneurysm Types and Development
  • 1.        True Versus False Aneurysm
• IV.      Locations of Aneurysms
  • 1.        Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • 2.        Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
  • 3.        Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
• V.      Diagnosis of an Aneurysm
  • 1.        Ultrasound
  • 2.        Computed Tomography
  • 3.        Computed Tomographic Angiography
  • 4.        Aortography
• VI.      Aortic Aneurysm Prevention and Screening
  • 1.        Ultrasound
  • 2.        Medical History
• VII.     Case Study: Aortic Aneurysm
• VIII.    Case Study: Symptomatic Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm
• IX.      Summary

Author

Noah H. Carpenter, MD

Dr. Noah Carpenter is a Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon. He completed his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and medical school and training at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Carpenter completed surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Edmonton and Affiliated Hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, and an additional Adult Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has specialized in microsurgical techniques, vascular endoscopy, laser and laparoscopic surgery in Brandon, Manitoba and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in Colorado, Texas, and California. Dr. Carpenter has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary, and was appointed a Citizen Ambassador to China, and has served as a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories, Canada Science Council, and the International Society of Endovascular Surgeons, among others. He has been an inspiration to youth, motivating them to understand the importance of achieving higher education.